As the weeks went by, Tress settled well into her new rank and accepted whatever missions she was given. One day, she was practicing her use of the force on small vases that were in the temple. Her master, Raith, watched his former pupil with a proud smile on his face. Because he was an Anzati, he had lived many years and taught many young Padawans; but he had always had a special feeling about Tress' potential.

"She still practices."

Raith looked over his shoulder and saw Master Yoda approaching. He smiled and turned his attention back to Tress.

"She believes that even though she is now a Jedi Knight, that it's no excuse for error." Raith explained.

"Great potential. Just as you sensed." Yoda said.

"Is that why your decision required a month of deliberation?" Raith asked, his tone slightly angry.

Yoda sighed and turned to walk away, but Raith managed to catch up to him.

"Tress may accept that it took longer to grant her the rank of Knight, but I don't. Not without an explanation as to why you had been reluctant."

Yoda stopped in his tracks and then looked up at Raith. He gestured his head towards a nearby room, and they stepped inside.

"We're alone now, Master. Tell me." Raith demanded.

Again, Yoda sighed. "Potential, Tress Zothorn has always had. She is also strong in mind and body. Requirements for any future Jedi Knight."

"Then why, when she passed her trials, did you force her to wait for the decision?"

"The day before her trials, I had sensed that something would soon bring doubt to her. What it was, I cannot say. I was reluctant, because I did not wish for anything to corrupt her."

Raith shrugged. "I've taught her nothing about The Dark Side. As far I'm concerned, she is nothing but proof that honesty and goodness will always exist in The Jedi Order."

"Naive would you say she is?" Yoda asked.

"Not at all, Master." Raith chuckled. "Perhaps the only flaw of character that she has is stubbornness. The child will never accept the word "no."

Yoda looked down and shook his head. "Perhaps this stubbornness that she has, will be the downfall that I've sensed."